Inkjet Head Bubble Discharge via Segmented Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording devices face difficulties in efficiently and reliably discharging bubbles from the ink flow path, particularly in thin individual flow paths and nozzles, which slows down the maintenance process.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a circulation flow path that returns ink from the first discharge port to an ink storage unit, with controlled valves managing the discharge process to facilitate bubble removal, including a first discharge valve for normal ejection and a second discharge port for bubble discharging operations, ensuring efficient ink circulation and pressure management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a common flow path is used to circulate ink back to the ink tank, then bubbles can be discharged from the ink flow path, but it is difficult and time-consuming to return bubbles once entered into thin individual flow paths or nozzles to the upstream side
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the ink flow path into two separate discharge paths: a first discharge port connected to the downstream side of the filter for discharging bubbles from individual flow paths and nozzles, and a second discharge port connected to the upstream side of the filter for discharging bubbles from the common flow path. This segmentation allows bubbles to be discharged from their respective locations without needing to travel back upstream through thin flow paths, thereby reducing maintenance time while improving discharge reliability.
2Productivity
If ink is circulated at high pressure to discharge bubbles, then bubble discharge efficiency improves, but ink may leak from the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The invention provides separate discharge paths for different bubble locations: the first discharge port handles bubbles from individual flow paths and nozzles where low pressure is maintained to prevent ink leakage, while the second discharge port handles bubbles from the common flow path where higher pressure can be applied for efficient bubble discharge. This segmentation allows optimized pressure control for each discharge location, improving overall bubble discharge efficiency without causing ink leakage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables easier and more reliable discharge of air bubbles from the ink flow path, reducing maintenance time and improving the overall performance of the inkjet recording device.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid feeding pump for supplying ink to the inkjet head
Implementation Method 2
a filter provided in a common ink chamber of the inkjet head for passing the supplied ink, and a first discharge port for discharging air bubbles in the ink flow path
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an inkjet recording device capable of more readily and reliably discharging air bubbles inside an ink flow channel. The inkjet recording device is provided with an inkjet head (24) having a nozzle, an ink supply unit for supplying ink to the inkjet head, a drive unit for performing a drive operation to generate pressure variation in the ink, and a control unit. The inkjet head is provided with a shared ink chamber (245) for circulating the supplied ink, a filter (246) provided inside the shared ink chamber, separate flow channels (2471) for sending ink that has passed through the filter to each nozzle, and an outlet (242) for discharging the ink inside the shared ink chamber. When an operation for discharging air bubbles in the ink is to be performed, the control unit causes ink to be supplied from the ink supply unit at a pressure at which the ink leaks out from the nozzle, and discharges the ink from the outlet, while causing a prescribed drive operation to be performed by the drive unit.